Become an Arson & Bomb Investigator

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

Employees in these classes conduct detailed and complex investigations of explosions and fires where there is suspicion that the explosion or fire is of incendiary origin. They confer with local, State, and Federal peace officers on the handling of investigations; interrogate suspects and interview witnesses; obtain criminal complaints and serve subpoenas; make arrests of persons suspected of committing arson; confer with district attorneys and prosecutors in preparing cases for court; testify in court as expert witnesses; train and provide technical assistance in the latest techniques of fire and explosion to local fire protection and law enforcement authorities; and administer specialized arson and explosives training programs or projects. Higher-level investigators may conduct internal affairs investigations, represent the State Fire Marshal at meetings, and perform other related work. This is the full journey-level investigator role. Incumbents work independently or in teams on a variety of cases, specialized arson and explosives training programs or projects, and also conduct background and internal affairs investigations.


This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$7,133 - $9,798   Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I
One year of experience in the Office of the State Fire Marshal performing the duties of an Arson and Bomb Investigator Assistant, Range B.

Or II
Three years of experience in a public agency performing fire prevention work, two years of which shall have been in the investigation of fires for cause and origin. Experience gained at the Office of the State Fire Marshal must be applied under Pattern I.

Or III
Three years of law enforcement experience in a police department, sheriff's office, or district attorney's office, two years of which shall have been in the investigation of fires and explosions suspected of being of incendiary origin.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Fire laws; types and characteristics of fire; chemistry and physics of fire ignition and behavior; types of explosions, explosives, and their characteristics; characteristics of vegetation and structural materials under varying degrees of fire intensity and duration; criminal investigation techniques; rules of evidence and court procedures; techniques of identifying, preserving, and presenting evidence; laws of arrest, search and seizure, service of legal process, and the legal rights of citizens; State laws, rules, regulations, and policies relating to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Sophisticated sources of ignition; modern methods and equipment used in arson detection; civil investigation techniques; background and internal affairs investigation techniques; contemporary training and educational methodology; training and certification process and procedures of the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, State Board of Fire Service, and the California State Fire Service Training and Education Program.

Ability to:
Meet work commitments in a timely manner; organize and conduct investigations; gather and analyze facts and evidence and present such evidence as required; use and maintain small firearms; file complaints, serve subpoenas and make physical arrests; interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted in the work; prepare concise, accurate, and well written reports and correspondence.

Lead complex and sensitive investigations; conduct background and internal affairs investigations; judicially qualify for and appear as an expert witness; develop, revise, and evaluate curricula for arson training courses, including course outlines, instructor guides, student manuals, visual aids, and handouts; prepare, conduct, and monitor arson training courses, examinations, and certification for levels of performance standards; effectively represent the State Fire Marshal before groups and lead conferences effectively.

Special Personal Characteristics
Aptitude for investigative work; willingness to work throughout the state and at unusual hours, including evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; may be on 24-hour call; alertness and keenness of observation; good memory for details, names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminals and suspects and work in high-crime environments; possession of a valid California driver's license and good driving record. Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment; physical agility; emotional and psychological stability; normal hearing.

Felony Disqualification
Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this series.

Citizenship Requirement
Existing law provides that peace officers must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for this examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for peace officer classes prior to their 19th birthday.

No examinations at this time.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!